Background
I rent a 1-bedroom apartment on the 9th floor of a highrise. I've
been trying to solve an ant problem over the past two months,
including three bouts of commercial bait that is suppose to eradicate
the colony. The problem only abates for a few days. The landlord has
already brought in a pest control expert a week ago, who merely dabbed
some gel at two spots (kitchen and bathroom). The problem remains
unchanged, despite hieghtened vigilance in cleaning (I'm was already a
clean freak beforehand). I may have to ask for fumigation. I believe
that the landlord would be justified in inspecting neighbouring
apartments, but that's not within my control.
From what I've researched online, an ant problem might be an ongoing
management problem.
The question
As a means of mitigating the problem, prior to actually getting it
under control, would it be advisable to:
(1) Caulk up the junction between the baseboards and the wall,
between the shoe moulding and the baseboard, and between the shoe
moulding and the floor?
(2) Caulk up or re-caulk the junction between the kitchen
counter and the wall, and between the washroom vanity and the wall?
My thinking is that restricting their mobility makes their life and
survival more difficult, but I am also concerned that it may reduce
the effectivenes of other measures. For example, it may interfere
with their bringing bait back to the colony, or make satellite
colonies more likely. Or it may impede fumigation, if that happens.
Best Answer
bifenthrin
you'll need a <=1 gal sprayer and mix rate up to ~1 ounce per gallon. spray the entire place, let it dry.
another one is permethrin, in Martin's Cyonara.
both can be gotten at tractor supply, or amazon, sometimes at depot/lowes.